Texas Corn on Drip Irrigation
Part Two
Texas producers’ anticipation for moisture never became a reality for the 2011 growing season. Many still hung onto the hope of rainfall, but the extreme drought conditions continued to overcome any chance of measurable precipitation.
When the Texas Corn Producers and USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service visited David Carthel’s farm in Parmer County in August 2011, the corn crop looked better than expected for such a challenging year as this. Carthel’s drip system is one reason he will have a yield less impacted by the drought, which will be one for the record books.
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Carthel’s corn crop, across the 70-acres of drip irrigation, was a normal height for the variety he planted. Even though maturity progressed more quickly due to the high temperatures and dry conditions, crop progress was still looking promising.
“It’s probably progressing faster because of the heat,” Carthel says, “everything is speeding up due to the heat units.”
Throughout the growing season, Carthel says his drip system has had few problems other than some kinks in the lines that slowed water pressure. He says using a drip system has benefits that exceed the cost.
“If it’s installed properly, it’s a very good tool,” Carthel says.
While Carthel is using drip irrigation on only 70 acres for this year, he plans on installing more drip line for the 2012 growing season.
“We are working on initial stages of design right now,” Carthel says.
The proven success he’s had with his drip system has Carthel looking to expand this effective management practice throughout his farming operation. To further his conservation efforts, Carthel says he is excited to have 60 more acres approved for EQIP funding assistance through the NRCS, and once the corn is harvested beginning stages of installment will begin for the new drip system.
“I’d like to get all of my design and plan done,” Carthel says, “so as soon as we get done harvesting crops of the field, we can start field work.”
View Part Three of this video series to see how his drip corn finished out the drought-stricken year.